Should local Boy Scout troops allow gays?

The Boy Scouts of America national organization has announced plans to lift its ban on allowing openly gay scouts and leaders.

An Eagle Scout displays some of his merit badges. (AP file photo)

The decision instead would be left up to local Scout troops.

The New York Times reports that Boy Scouts of America spokesman Deron Smith said in a statement:

“The Boy Scouts would not, under any circumstances, dictate a position to units, members, or parents.This would mean there would no longer be any national policy regarding sexual orientation, and the chartered organizations that oversee and deliver Scouting would accept membership and select leaders consistent with each organization’s mission, principles, or religious beliefs.”

It’s a sudden policy reversal, and the consequences can be mixed. Some corporations, such as UPS And Merck, that had supported Scouting stopped contributions when gay rights became an issue. Lifting the ban presumably will lead to a resumption of some corporate support.

But many Scout troops were affiliated with churches, and some of those will object to the change in policy.

For example, the Associated Press reports that BSA conferred with religious leaders including the Rev. Frank Page, who leads the Southern Baptist Executive Committee, before announcing the possible shift in policy. The Rev. Page then wrote to the Scouts “expressing his tremendous dismay at the decision.”

In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld BSA’s right to exclude gay Scouts and leaders. Public opinion has changed dramatically since then, however.

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